Comedy Showcase closes after 30 years

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April 1, 2013

The club, at 11460 Fuqua, was one of two remaining comedy clubs in Houston - its closure leaving only the Improv at 7620 Katy Freeway.

When Comedy Showcase opened in 1983, it was one of four comedy clubs in Houston. At the height of the format's popularity in the early 1990s, Houston had nine clubs presenting stand-up acts, including the Comedy Workshop and Laff Stop.

Like many of the clubs, Comedy Showcase was a training ground for up-and-coming comics. Among those who performed at the venue were Rodney Carrington, Bill Engvall, Bill Hicks and Ralphie May.

Besides presenting comics on Friday and Saturday nights, the venue also hosted the popular comedy-format defensive driving classes on Saturday mornings; the classes will continue until the end of April.

Owner Danny Martinez says the chief reason for closing was that he and his wife, Blanca Gutierrez, wanted to retire to spend more time with family. But changing demographics, declining attendance and the sluggish economy also were factors.